White blood cell count is high

White blood cells, which we call leukocytes, play a very important role in our human body. They can help us resist external viruses. When viruses enter the body, white blood cells will play their role and make us less sick. Therefore, they are also called immune cells. Many people also have high white blood cell counts. Let’s see what’s going on.

White blood cells are very important to us. They are also the most important cells for us to resist external viruses. They can make us get sick less or not get sick at all. Some people find that their white blood cell count is high during examination. Let us understand what is going on with high white blood cell count and what causes it.

The reason why the white blood cell count is high is because there is inflammation somewhere in the body. The body takes self-protection measures to increase the number of white blood cells to phagocytize harmful bacteria. Therefore, this principle is used in medicine to verify whether the body is inflamed or damaged. For example, colds, fevers, and injuries are all caused by respiratory tract infections, soft tissue infections, etc., which will cause a sharp increase in the number of white blood cells in the body. White blood cells were formerly known as leukocytes. A type of cell in the blood. Thrombocytosis: When >400x109/L, it is thrombocytosis. Primary thrombocytosis is common in myeloproliferative diseases, such as chronic myeloid leukemia, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, etc. Reactive thrombocytosis is common in patients with acute and chronic inflammation, iron deficiency anemia and cancer. This type of increase generally does not exceed 500×109/L. After treatment, the situation improves and the platelet count will quickly drop to normal levels.

White blood cells, commonly known as leukocytes, are a very important type of blood cells in human blood. White blood cells have many responsibilities in the human body. They have the functions of engulfing foreign matter and producing antibodies, healing the body's injuries and diseases, resisting the invasion of pathogens, and providing immune resistance to diseases. When a person is unwell, it is often manifested through significant changes in the number of white blood cells. Therefore, in many cases, a routine blood test is required when visiting a hospital. Nowadays, routine blood tests in hospitals are mostly done using instruments, often with more than 20 indicators. In many cases, doctors often first focus on whether the white blood cells (WBC) have changed. White blood cells are very special and important cells, so it is important to know something about them.

When talking about changes in white blood cells, the first thing to notice is the change in quantity. The total white blood cell count of a normal person is (4.0~10.0)×10^9/L. In fact, a value of 0.5×10^9/L above or below this value can be considered roughly normal, because it is related to people's individual differences. Adult men and women generally fall within this range, with not much difference between the genders, but children and infants are completely different. The white blood cell count of a newborn baby can reach (15~20)×10^9/L at birth, which can drop to around 15×10^9/L in the following week, and can reach (10~12)×10^9/L within 2 years old. Children under 5 years old are also often higher than the adult level, with an average value of around 8×10^9/L. As they grow older, it gradually approaches the adult level.

In fact, white blood cells can be further divided into five types. Counting these five types of cells separately using instruments or manual methods is called white blood cell differential counting. Among these five types of white blood cells, neutrophils account for 50%~70%, lymphocytes account for 20%~40%, monocytes account for 3%~8%, eosinophils account for 1%~5%, and alkaliphils account for no more than 1%. Relevant content about white blood cell classification examination will be introduced in subsequent articles.

A total white blood cell count higher than 10.0×10^9/L is generally considered abnormal and is a matter of great concern. This increase is due to both physiological and pathological factors. We do not have to worry about temporary increases caused by physiological factors, but we must never ignore pathological increases. The physiological increase of white blood cells often occurs in the following situations, such as strenuous exercise, physical labor, after hot or cold water bath, extreme heat and cold, ultraviolet radiation, women's menstrual and ovulation periods, pregnancy (especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy), postpartum, smokers, emotional excitement, stimulation, and children's intense crying, etc., which can lead to an increase in the white blood cell count. In addition, it is lower in a quiet and relaxed state, increases slightly after activity and meals, and is higher in the afternoon than in the morning. The change within a day can even double. Therefore, when you go to the hospital for a routine blood test, you should try to stay calm and check it within the same time period. The results will be more valuable for reference and comparable.

A high white blood cell count is also harmful to our body. In many cases, it indicates inflammation in every part of our body. For example, common colds, trauma, fever, etc. can cause an increase in white blood cell count. This phenomenon is also abnormal and will be taken very seriously. Everyone should check in time to avoid the occurrence of other diseases.